Latest News
ATO warns about barter credit tax scheme
The ATO is warning the community to steer clear of an emerging tax scheme involving barter credits — a type of alternative currency used in some business networks. A tax scheme that involves artificially inflating deductions for donations of barter credits to deductible gift recipients (‘DGRs’) is on the rise. While it may seem enticing, […]
ATO’s new approach to holiday home expenses
The ATO has announced that it will take a somewhat different approach in relation to holiday home expenses that are claimed in relation to holiday homes. Broadly, the ATO now takes the view that, if a taxpayer’s rental property is also their holiday home, certain deductions relating to holding it will be completely denied (rather […]
Australians call out tax dodgers in record numbers
The ATO has hit a major milestone of over 300,000 tip-offs from the community about tax dodgers and other dishonest behaviours since 1 July 2019. In the 2024/25 financial year alone, almost 50,000 red flags were raised by members of the community who spotted something suspicious. Most of the tip-offs received related to shadow economy […]
Dental expenses are private expenses
The ATO has been seeing a number of deduction claims for dental expenses this tax time. Dental expenses are private expenses, including preventative and necessary dental treatment, medical expenses and other costs relating to client’s personal appearance (such as teeth whitening, makeup, skin care, shaving products and haircuts) are not deductible. These expenses are generally […]
Reminder of December 2025 Quarter Superannuation Guarantee (‘SG’)
As noted in the previous article, employee December 2025 Quarter Superannuation Guarantee must be received by the relevant super funds by 28 January 2026. If the correct amount of SG is not paid by an employer on time, they will be liable to pay the SG charge, which includes a penalty and interest component. […]
Alternative providers to the SBSCH
Employers should start preparing for the permanent closure of the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (‘SBSCH’) on 1 July 2026. By acting now to find an alternative service, employers will: have an established process in place to pay super guarantee (‘SG’) for the March and June quarters (if they currently pay quarterly); reduce the risk […]
Builder Unable To Obtain Refund Of Incorrectly Charged GST
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal has held that a builder was unable to receive a refund of incorrectly charged GST incorrectly charged on the sale of a residential premises that had been rented for just over five years since construction was complete. The taxpayer claimed the GST charged on a unit was charged in error, on […]
FBT Exemption for Electric Vehicles Legislation Is Now Law
FBT exemption for electric vehicles legislation exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax (‘FBT’) has now been enacted into law. Certain zero or low emissions vehicles provided as a car benefit on or after 1 July 2022, can be exempt from FBT. For this exemption to apply various criteria need to be satisfied. The car needs to […]
Further Eligibility Age Change For Downsizer Contribution
In another recent legislative change, the eligibility age to make a downsizer contribution into superannuation has been reduced to 55 from 1 January 2023. This further reduces the downsizer eligibility age, which changed from 65 to 60 from 1 July 2022. From 1 January 2023, eligible individuals aged 55 years or older can choose to […]
Christmas Parties & Gifts 2022
Year-end (and other) staff parties Editor: With the well earned December/January holiday season on the way, many employers will be planning to reward staff with a celebratory party or event. However, there are important issues to consider, including the possible FBT and income tax implications of providing ‘entertainment’ (including Christmas parties) to staff and clients. […]
Reminder Of March 2022 Quarter Superannuation Guarantee (‘SG’)
Employers are reminded that their SG obligation for the 1 January 2022 to 31 March 2022 quarter is due by 28 April 2022. An advance warning is also provided to employers that the compulsory 10% SG rate is going to increase to 10.5% from the period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023. So now […]
Chef Spending Most of A Year On Cruise Ships Still A ‘Resident’
The AAT has also held that a taxpayer, an Australian chef with over 20 years’ experience both in Australia and overseas, was an Australian resident for taxation purposes in the 2016 income year. During that year, he spent only 86 days in Australia, being the period prior to him leaving Australia to commence employment with […]